Sports Fund allocation increased by more than 50 per cent

National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung’u recommended the allocation of Sh 16.5 billion to the Sports Fund which is an increase from Sh 6.4 billion the sector received in the 2023/2024 national budget.

In the 2022/2023 national budget, the Fund was allocated Sh15.8 billion while in the previous financial year, it received Sh15 billion.

The allocation comes as a major boost for the country’s preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations 2027, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, and also the Paris Olympic Games set for next month.

The government is currently constructing a new Talanta Hela Stadium to be completed by December 2025 while Nyayo Stadium and Moi Kasarani International Stadium are also earmarked to host the Africa’s premier tournament, and are currently closed for renovations.

“We are also cognizant of the brand value of Kenyans participating and excelling in the international sports arena, I propose an allocation of Ksh16.5 billion to the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund,” Prof. Njuguna read.

The allocation will also be used to prepare the 2025 WRC Safari Rally, World Athletics Championships slated for Tokyo among other events lined up in the next financial year.

To discourage gambling in the country, Njuguna imposed a 20% percent excise duty on fees charged by all television stations, print media, billboards, and radio stations for advertisements of these activities.